I have tried a few diets and exercised for years. Like many people, I've lost a few pounds but haven't made the dietary changes a permanent part of my life.

The only medical problem I have related to obesity is GERD. Also my BMI is over 40. I have social issues, which I don't know if they count -- years of embarrassment for being obese and also the shame in blaming myself.

Do you think the doctor will approve me for surgery? Do doctors insist that you have more physical problems than I do?

Usually BMI over 40 gets approved, but there are other tests involved in the approval process as well.

I have to get see a psychologist, but my Primary Doc told me they are looking for unmedicated psychological issue, not feeling of depression from being overweight, though they can help with that. She said "you aren't batshit crazy so don't worry about it." I'm sure you will be ok. We all have negative feelings about our weight. Isn't that partly why we are doing this?

USUALLY, people with over a 40 BMI are approved (if they meet all the requirements). And people at a 35-39.9 BMI are USUALLY approved if they have two or more co-morbidities, like diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.

I don't think the two issues you mentioned would be considered co-morbidities, but since your BMI is over 40, you'll probably be fine.

I was approved because my BMI was over 40. I didn't have to have any other issues, which I don't. I did have to have a psychological evaluation, but that was it for my insurance to approve me.

21 hours ago, GrungeGrownUp said:

I have to get see a psychologist, but my Primary Doc told me they are looking for unmedicated psychological issue, not feeling of depression from being overweight, though they can help with that. She said "you aren't batshit crazy so don't worry about it." I'm sure you will be ok. We all have negative feelings about our weight. Isn't that partly why we are doing this?

True. I look forward to no longer being embarrassed.